MafG-like contribute to copper and cadmium induced antioxidant response by regulating antioxidant enzyme in Procambarus clarkii.

Avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (Maf) proteins play an important role in Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, which mainly resist the oxidant stress. The members of sMaf have a high homology basic leucine zipper (bZIP) and lack trans activation domain, and could interact with other transcriptional regulatory factors as a molecular chaperone. In this study, a full-length MafG-like gene was cloned from Procambarus Clarkii, designated as PcMafG-like, which consisted of an ORF length of 246 bp encoding 82 amino acids, a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 483 bp, and a 3' UTR of 111 bp. The domain of PcMafG-like had a bZIP-Maf domain that binds to DNA. The cDNA sequence of PcMafG-like was 99 % similar to that of Penaeus vannamei. The mRNA of PcMafG-like was expressed in all tested tissues, and the highest expression was in muscle tissue. Under stimulation of Cu2+ and Cd2+, PcMafG-like was significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas and gill, and the same result was testified by situ hybridization. The representative antioxidant genes, CAT, GPx and CZ-SOD, were significantly induced by Cu2+; CAT and GPx was induced by Cd2+. PcMafG-dsRNA significantly inhibited the expression of these up-regulated genes, but also inhibited the expression of other detected genes CZ-SOD, GST-θ and GST-1like. The antioxidant effect of PcMafG-like was further verified by oxidative stress markers (T-SOD, CuZnSOD, GPx, CAT, GSH and MDA) kits. Cu2+ and Cd2+ could induce the contents of these oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, CZ-SOD, CAT in Cu2+/Cd2+ treated group, and GSH-Px in Cd2+ group), while interference of PcMafG-like significantly inhibited the up-regulation. Furthermore, hematoxylin-eosin staining experiments showed that the degree of pathological damage was dose-dependent and time-dependent, and the pathological damage was more serious after dsRNA interfered with PcMafG-like. In addition, subcellular localization showed that PcMafG-like gene existed in nucleus. The recombinant protein PcMafG-like was expressed and purified in prokaryotic expression. The affinity analysis of promoter by agarose gel electrophoresis suggested that PcMafG-like could bind with CAT promoter in vitro. This indicated that PcMafG-like could activate antioxidant genes.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of seabuckthorn and prediction of its Q-markers / 中国中药杂志

Seabuckthorn contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, which have anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation, liver protection, anti-cardiovascular disease, anti-aging, immune enhancing, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial activities.We reviewed the papers focusing on the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and utilization of seabuckthorn. The quality markers(Q-markers) of seabuckthorn were predicted and analyzed based on original plant phylogeny, chemical composition correlation, traditional medicinal properties, pharmacodynamic correlation, traditional and extended efficacy, pharmacokinetics, metabolic processes, and measurable components. With this review, we aim to provide theoretical reference for the quality control and quality standard establishment of seabuckthorn, so as to promote the rational exploitation and utilization of seabuckthorn resources, and improve the healthy and sustainable development of seabuckthorn industry.

Regional Variations in Medication Usage for Cardiovascular Diseases at the Community Level in China (PURE-China Study) / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

We investigated the usage of secondary prevention drugs and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products in individuals with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) at the community level in China. Among 2,407 participants with self-reported coronary heart disease (CHD) and 872 with stroke, nearly 80% of individuals with CHD and 73% of individuals with stroke were not taking any proven secondary prevention drug. However, 32.9% of them took TCM products. Patients with CVDs in rural areas used less secondary prevention treatment, but more TCM products than their counterparts in the urban regions. After adjusting for confounding factors, lower rates of secondary prevention treatment were evident in Western China compared with Eastern China, which was more developed. Systematic change is needed to promote the development of evidence-based medicine at the community level in China.

Correcting Shape and Size Using Temporary Filler after Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants

Breast contour deformities, lack of volume and asymmetry are common confronted problems after breast augmentation with implants. These problems can be corrected by using temporary fillers or autologous fat grafts. The purpose of this study was to introduce our experience using long lasting temporary filler (Aquafilling(R)) for the correction of unfavorable results after breast augmentation with silicone implants. Two non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women unsatisfied with previous breast augmentation with silicone implants were recruited for this study. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Efficacy and safety assessments were carried out at follow-up visits (1, 3, and 6 months). The study showed that Aquafilling(R) could provide satisfactory improvement in breast shape and volume. Also it showed that the corrected volume and shape were lasting without affecting the breasts' original volume. Patients reported high satisfaction as Aquafilling(R) was generally well tolerated with no inflammatory reactions or serious adverse events. We recommend that Aquafilling(R) as a new option for the correction of minor problems after breast augmentation surgery with implants. However, further follow-up studies are required to observe long-term results.

Effects of XELOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy on radical resection rate and prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of oxaliplatin in combination with capecitabine (XELOX) regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-five patients with advanced gastric cancer (stage IIB and IIIC) were randomly divided into two groups: neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (40 cases) and surgery alone group (45 cases). In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, patients received oral administration of Xeloda 1000 mg/m(2) twice a day on days 1-14 and intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 (XELOX regimen). The regimen was repeated every 21 days. In the surgery alone group, patients directly received radical resection of gastric cancer. The R0 resection rate, overall survival and disease free survival (DFS) were observed in all cases. The cycles and apoptosis rate of the gastric cancer cells were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21, p53 and survivin was detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, the total effective rate was 32.5% (13/40), and the tumor control rate was 90% (36/40), with few side effects. Compared with the surgery alone group, R0 resection rate was significantly higher in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (P < 0.05). The survival analysis indicated that both the overall survival and DFS were longer in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group in comparison with those in the surgery alone group, but no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, both the apoptosis rate and the ratio of cells in stage G0 and G1 were significantly higher than those in the surgery alone group (P < 0.05). The expression of PCNA and survivin was lower in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, while the expression of p21 and p53 was higher.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>XELOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer can effectively improve the R0 resection rate and prolong the survival time of the patients. Its mechanism is probably that the neoadjuvant chemotherapy can markedly enhance apoptosis in gastric cancer cells and inhibit their proliferation.</p>

Effect of stability and dissolution of realgar nano-particles using solid dispersion technology / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To improve the stability and dissolution of realgar nano-particles by solid dispersion.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Using polyethylene glycol 6000 and poloxamer-188 as carriers, the solid dispersions were prepare by melting method. XRD, microscopic inspection were used to determine the status of realgar nano-particles in solid dispersions. The content and stability test of As(2)0(3) were determined by DDC-Ag method. Hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the content of Arsenic and investigated the in vitro dissolution behavior of solid dispersions.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results of XRD and microscopic inspection showed that realgar nano-particles in solid dispersions were amorphous. The dissolution amount and rate of Arsenic from realgar nano-particles of all solid dispersions were increased significantly, the reunion of realgar nano-particles and content of As(2)0(3) were reduced for the formation of solid dispersions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The solid dispersion of realgar nano-particles with poloxamer-188 as carriers could obviously improve stability, dissolution and solubility.</p>

Protective effects of tetrandrine against congenital diaphragmatic hernia in rats / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effect of the prenatal use of tetrandrine (TET) against congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in rats and possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, nitrofen and TET treatment. The later two groups were administered with nitrofen by gavage on day 9.5 of gestation. On day 18.5 of gestation, TET (30 mg/kg) was given by gavage (once a day, for three days) in the TET treatment group. On day 21 of gestation, parts of pregnant rats were delivered by cesarean section and amniotic fluid was collected. The fetal rats were examined for a diaphragmatic hernia. Lung histologic evaluations with microscope and immunohistochemistry staining of TNF-α were performed. TNF-α in amniotic fluid was detected using ELISA. The remaining pregnant rats were allowed to deliver spontaneously at term. The survival of pup rats was observed until 24 hrs of age.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the nitrofen group, significant lung hypoplasia was presented not only in fetuses with CDH but also in those without CDH. Stronger expression of TNF-α was observed in fetal lungs and amniotic fluid in the nitrofen group, even when CDH was absent. The TET treatment group showed improved lung development compared with the nitrofen group. The incidence of large diaphragmatic hernia in the TET treatment group was lower than that in the nitrofen group (P<0.05), and the expression of TNF-α in fetal lungs and amniotic fluid in the TET treatment group was also lower than in the nitrofen group (P<0.01). The 24-hr survival rate of pup rats in the TET group was higher than that in the nitrofen group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Prenatal use of TET can improve nitrofen-induced pulmonary hypoplasia, decrease the incidence of large diaphragmatic hernia and increase the survival rate of pup rats, possibly through a reduction in the production of TNF-α in fetal lungs and amniotic fluid in rats with CDH.</p>

Multicentral randomized controlled trials of acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) for treatment of peptic ulcer / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) for treatment of peptic ulcer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and seventy-six cases enrolled were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a control group, 138 cases in the acupuncture group were treated with deep needling at Zhongwan (CV 12) with a long needle, and 138 cases in the control group were treated with climetidine. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by clinical symptoms and gastroscopy. They were investigated for 6 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The acupuncture group was better than the control group in rapid alleviation of stomachache and improvement of appetite (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.6% in the acupuncture group and 88.4% in the control group with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The symptoms improved significantly in the two groups (P < 0.01), but with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the therapeutic effect of gastroscopy (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) has a reliable therapeutic effect on peptic ulcer.</p>

On key role of acupoints in elongated needle therapy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study on characteristics and application of key acupoints in Elongated Needle Therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Probe into method of determining key acupoints and their clinical application from characteristics of channels, characteristics of acupoints, position of diseases, pathogenesis, syndromes and other aspects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Establishment of the theory of key acupoints of enlongated needle therapy reflects the principle of "fewer but better" in acupoint selection of enlongated needle therapy, which can reduce pain of the patient and increase the therapeutic</p>

Study on ingredients of essential oils of Curcuma wenyujin extracted by supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction and steam distillation / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the ingredients of essential oils of Curcuma wenyujin extracted by supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction and by steam distillation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>GC-MS was applied in this experiment.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The ingredients and physical and chemical properties of essential oils of C. wenyujin extracted by supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction and by steam distillation are similar.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction is better than steam distillation in extraction time, power consumption, recovery and purity.</p>

Effect of shenmai injection on diaphragmatic fatigue in children with respiratory failure / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Shenmai injection (SMI) on diaphragmatic fatigue in children with respiratory failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five cases of children respiratory failure with diaphragmatic fatigue were divided into two groups. The control group was treated with comprehensive therapy including anti-infection, oxygen inhalation and parenteral nutrition, etc. The SMI group was treated with SMI intravenously, besides the comprehensive therapy as in the control group. Taking electrical impedance respirogram (IRG) as criterion of therapeutic effect, the effective cases after 30 min medication, time for diaphragmatic fatigue disappearance, as well as arterial blood gas analysis before and after treatment were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) In 30 min after medication, the effective cases in the SMI group (15/18) were more than that in the control group (4/17, P < 0.01); (2) Blood pH increased and PaCO2 decreased in both groups after treatment, but the decrease of PaCO2 was more significant in the SMI group (P < 0.05); (3) Time of diaphragmatic fatigue disappearance in the SMI group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SMI is an effective drug for treatment of diaphragmatic fatigue in children with less adverse effect, and worthwhile for spreading in clinical practice.</p>